arXiv subjects

James Cutler

Publications and source records attributed to James Cutler.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

The Solar Neutrino and Astro-Particle PhYsics (SNAPPY) CubeSat Development

The SNAPPY CubeSat, which was launched May 3, 2026, will demonstrate and space qualify the nuSol neutrino-detection technology. The nuSol technology detects solar neutrinos using a gallium isotope which decays by emitting two particles spaced apart in time; this allows differentiating neutrino events from cosmic rays. In the NIAC Phase II project review in 2021, concept and science were determined to be feasible; however, two precursor studies were recommended before pursuing a full mission study. These studies were to characterize the true deep-space background for the detector's gallium double-pulse signal and to collect a statistically significant number of double-pulse events demonstrating that fast electronics can reliably select and analyze this signal. To test double-pulse signals in space, a NIAC Phase III funded building a 3U CubeSat carrying a 0.1-kg gallium-aluminum-gadolinium-garnet detector housed within an active veto array and shielding. Because the detector requires deep-space-like conditions, the CubeSat is designed for a polar low-Earth orbit at 450 km or higher altitude, collecting data over the Earth's poles above the Van Allen belts. The detector is highly sensitive, with roughly 7-percent energy resolution, with active veto shielding and passive shielding using a patented tungsten-powder and epoxy mixture that disintegrates upon atmospheric reentry. SNAPPY enables additional science during the extended mission phase of year two operations. These include measurements of solar wind particle density and energy spectra with particle identification of electrons, protons, and alpha particles; detection of very low-energy gamma rays from galactic gamma-ray bursts without directionality.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

Prospects for using drones to test formation-flying CubeSat concepts, and other astronomical applications

Drones provide a versatile platform for remote sensing and atmospheric studies. However, strict payload mass limits and intense vibrations have proven obstacles to adoption for astronomy. We present a concept for system-level testing of a long-baseline CubeSat space interferometer using drones, taking advantage of their cm-level xyz station-keeping, 6-dof freedom of movement, large operational environment, access to guide stars for end-to-end testing of optical train and control algorithms, and comparable mass and power requirements. We have purchased two different drone platforms (Aurelia X6 Pro, Freefly Alta X) and present characterization studies of vibrations, flight stability, gps positioning precision, and more. We also describe our progress in sub-system development, including inter-drone laser metrology, realtime gimbal control, and LED beacon tracking. Lastly, we explore whether custom-built drone-borne telescopes could be used for interferometry of bright objects over km-level baselines using vibration-isolation platforms and a small fast delay for fringe-tracking.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2024

STARI: STarlight Acquisition and Reflection toward Interferometry

We present the concept for STARI: STarlight Acquisition and Reflection toward Interferometry. If launched, STARI will be the first mission to control a 3-D CubeSat formation to the few mm-level, reflect starlight over 10s to 100s of meters from one spacecraft to another, control tip-tilt with sub-arcsecond stability, and validate end-to-end performance by injecting light into a single-mode fiber. While STARI is not an interferometer, the mission will advance the Technology Readiness Levels of the essential subsystems needed for a space interferometer in the near future.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2022

Achievements and Lessons Learned from Successful Small Satellite Missions for Space Weather-Oriented Research

When the first CubeSats were launched nearly two decades ago, few people believed that the miniature satellites would likely prove to be a useful scientific tool. Skeptics abounded. However, the last decade has seen the highly successful implementation of space missions that make creative and innovative use of fast-advancing CubeSat and small satellite technology to carry out important science experiments and missions. Several projects now have used CubeSats to obtain first-of-their-kind observations and findings that have formed the basis for high-profile engineering and science publications, thereby establishing without doubt the scientific value and broad utility of CubeSats. In this paper, we describe recent achievements and lessons learned from a representative selection of successful CubeSat missions with a space weather focus. We conclude that these missions were successful in part because their limited resources promoted not only mission focus but also appropriate risk-taking for comparatively high science return. Quantitative analysis of refereed publications from these CubeSat missions and several larger missions reveals that mission outcome metrics compare favorably when publication number is normalized by mission cost or if expressed as a weighted net scientific impact of all mission publications.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2018

Experimental Evaluation of Continuum Deformation with a Five Quadrotor Team

This paper experimentally evaluates continuum deformation cooperative control for the first time. Theoretical results are expanded to place a bounding triangle on the leader-follower system such that the team is contained despite nontrivial tracking error. Flight tests were conducted with custom quadrotors running a modified version of ArduPilot on a BeagleBone Blue in M-Air, an outdoor netted flight facility. Motion capture and an onboard inertial measurement unit were used for state estimation. Position error was characterized in single vehicle tests using quintic spline trajectories and different reference velocities. Five-quadrotor leader trajectories were generated, and followers executed the continuum deformation control law in-flight. Flight tests successfully demonstrated continuum deformation; future work in characterizing error propagation from leaders to followers is discussed.

eess.SY↗